Things you do before a long trip

That is, when you’re not in the habit of traveling for six weeks.Schedule bill payments.

Go to dinners with friends. But you run out of time for as many of these as you’d like.

Pack.

Get vaccinations and prescriptions.

Shovel the long-term parking spot friends lent you.

Get another suitcase.

Gather your electronics and convince yourself that they are useful and not too heavy.

Disagree with your partner about how to prepare for a long trip. You realize you’d do it differently if you could.

Unpack. Do laundry. Repack. How many socks do I need?

Email. Send a last message to many people, but you’re sure you’ve missed some whom you love. You do love them, and you’re also reassuring yourself that the connection will be lively and strong when you return. You notice that you have a habit of thinking that leaving breaks the bond with those you care about. You find that interesting and keep an eye on it.

Pack books. You’re going to be away for a long time. Take books out of bag. Are you thinking you’ll be bored? Do you imagine sitting still for long? You put one more book in the bag. You have a “thing” with books, don’t you?Go to the gym the day you leave. You’re feeling pretty well organized, aren’t you?

Go to the gym the day you leave. You’re feeling pretty well organized, aren’t you?